Like the dearly-departed Anthony Bourdain, we at The Tulsa Voice believe that food is one of the most enduring and effective methods of storytelling. At its best, our cuisine tells us something about our past, present, and future: where we’ve come from, where we are—and, perhaps most importantly, where we’re headed. This food issue was built with that in mind.

In the following articles, you’ll find great stories about food in Tulsa—from cinnamon rolls to fish markets to food pantries—which are, in effect, stories about ourselves. Our hope is that, when you learn something about the hardworking people putting food on your plate—like the skateboarding GM behind Gathering Place’s culinary operations, or the non-profiteers working to make the Mother Road Market a destination food business incubator and dining hall—then the story of Tulsa itself will be drawn into sharper, more delicious relief.

It’s also our hope that you’ll put this issue down hungry, ready to explore the great food our city has to offer. Bon appétit!